When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Bantam Pub
Why Bantam Pub is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bantam Pub is a popular and inviting neighborhood pub located in the Old Fourth Ward of Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its relaxed, hip atmosphere and friendly staff, it is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to gather for casual meals, drinks, and socializing. The establishment offers a versatile dining experience with options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, catering to diverse tastes including vegetarian-friendly dishes. One of the highlights of Bantam Pub is its outdoor seating, especially the side patio, which provides a perfect setting for enjoying good weather while sipping cocktails or craft beers. The pub features a well-curated bar selection with excellent cocktails and a good variety of craft beers, enhancing the social experience. Its menu features highly recommended items such as the lamb burger, smoked wings, Cuban sandwich, and even a phenomenal vegetarian burger, making it a great place to meet up for a casual bite or a full meal. The upbeat yet unpretentious vibe, combined with attentive service and a dog-friendly patio, makes Bantam Pub a great venue to unwind with friends or meet new people in a welcoming environment.
Here's what people think of Bantam Pub
As of recent, Bantam Pub holds a 4.5-star rating based on 957 reviews.
Reviews for Bantam Pub are predominantly positive, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 950 reviews. Customers consistently praise the quality and flavor of the food, highlighting specific dishes like the lamb burger, salmon, smoked wings, Cuban sandwich, and the exceptional vegetarian burger. Many reviewers appreciate the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, describing it as a cool and hip place that is perfect for casual dining or drinks with friends. The outdoor patio and dog-friendly environment also receive frequent commendations for enhancing the overall experience. Positive reviews note the attentive and friendly staff, as well as the wide selection of drinks including craft beers and creative cocktails that sometimes feature candy garnishes. However, some negative feedback mentions occasional slow service, particularly when attending to patrons seated on the outdoor patios located at a distance from the main restaurant. While this can cause minor delays, customers generally do not consider it a major issue. Another minor critique is that Bantam Pub's brunch is more dive-style than upscale, which some diners may need to set expectations for, though many appreciate this casual vibe. In conclusion, the overall consensus is that Bantam Pub offers a consistently enjoyable experience with great food, drinks, and atmosphere, making it a beloved neighborhood spot despite minor service quibbles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kenzie Winther
We went for Sunday brunch. And it was a solid choice. Everything was pretty basic that we got. We ordered an omelette and a frittata. The best thing hands-down were the sweet potato fries the sweet potato fries in themselves or solid five stars. They’re salty and sweet and just phenomenal. Everything else was just mediocre. Unfortunately the server was a little rude as well and made us feel bad for asking for more coffee. Other members of our table ordered their famous pancake with me in it, but nobody rode home, saying it was super super good. I would go back just to have their sweet potato fries though.
Shannon E
The food here is absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is great - i love all the lights! - it seems most people come here to drink and socialize. They recently redid their website and seems like they got in new management. The worst thing about bantam is the slow service. Last Friday we went there, it was about 1 hour 20 minutes before our food was served - however, they had good service recovery and offered us some complimentary fries to snack on while we waited and a free beer. Cheers to that! The last several times it does seem like the service has gotten better. My go-to is the Bantam Chicken sandwich- literally my favorite chicken sandwich from anywhere I’ve tried in atlanta. Their fries are also killer - super crunchy and flavorful! My husband got the Mac n cheese entree with fried chicken and he said it was superb!! The Angus burger is also very good. We didn’t care too much for the shrimp tacos just because it seems soggy and be much better with a crispy crunchy taco shell versus the soft taco Highly recommend the food here - it can be a bit slower Service to get your food.
Ruben Levell
cool local pub. staff was friendly and attentive. food was tasty and filling. I had wings and lamb burger with sweet potato fries
C W
We've walked by here many times over the years to get up to the Beltline, but today was a good day to stop in. The beer selection is fair. We split a Cuban sandwich, and I couldn't even finish half. It's a a hearty sandwich. We loved the chill, neighborhood vibe of the place. We don't have that in the burbs. I'm sure we'll be parking on this street again, so I'm sure we'll be back.
JD Hornbuckle
The food was excellent, but they have to address the fly problem. We had brunch here at 1 PM this Sunday. The staff was pleasant, our food came out pretty quick, and the portions were huge. I had the chicken biscuits which was actually biscuits with a chicken breast topped with gravy and an egg. It was a lot of food that was cooked and seasoned to perfection. Another friend had the Bananas Foster French toast, which was also amazing and a big potion. We left stuffed! My only complaint was we had to battle flies during the entire meal. I hit a window sill swatting a fly and that kicked up some dust, which also wasn’t great. Point being, the place was oddly empty and it shouldn’t be based on the food. I’m thinking maybe it’s the flies because that’s giving me second thoughts on returning.
How to reach Bantam Pub
None
Website: None
Why Bantam Pub may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bantam Pub with your friends?
Bantam Pub stands out as a vibrant and welcoming spot for friends or family to come together and enjoy quality time. With a strong 4.5-star rating from over 950 reviews, it's clear that this pub has built a reputation for being a reliable neighborhood favorite. The atmosphere at Bantam Pub is a perfect blend of casual cool and laid-back comfort, making it an ideal place for socializing without the pretentiousness often found in trendier venues. Its location in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward also adds a unique charm, with plenty of outdoor seating options, including a popular side patio that caters well to groups looking to enjoy fresh air alongside their food and drinks. Attentive but relaxed staff, excellent food and drink options, and a drink menu boasting unique cocktails you won’t find elsewhere in the city, all make Bantam Pub a place where everyone feels welcome and at ease. Whether you’re aiming for a casual lunch, a lively dinner, or late-night drinks, Bantam Pub offers a consistent, enjoyable experience that makes rallying there with your friends a no-brainer.
What activities and offerings make Bantam Pub perfect for group meetups?
Bantam Pub excels as a spot designed for social gatherings because of its wide variety of activities and amenities tailored for groups large or small. Firstly, the seating layout accommodates groups comfortably with both indoor tables and outdoor patios, facilitating lively conversations in a relaxed environment. The side patio, in particular, is praised for its ambiance, offering a breezy, open-air setting perfect for warmer days or evenings. Food-wise, the menu caters to many tastes and dietary preferences, including standout vegan and vegetarian options, allowing diverse groups to find satisfying meals. The signature smoked wings and the lamb burger come highly recommended, while the veggie burger impresses even skeptics with its bold flavors.
Bantam Pub also offers an appealing selection of drinks with a specialty cocktail menu that features unique concoctions you won’t find elsewhere in Atlanta. This adds a fun, exploratory dimension for groups wanting to try something new together. Beer lovers will appreciate the carefully curated beer list, and the staff is known for their willingness to offer samples to help choose the perfect brew, which is ideal for groups with varied preferences. The pub late hours — open until midnight on weekdays and until 2:30 AM on weekends — give groups the flexibility to turn a casual meet-up into an extended night out without rushing. Additionally, free off-street parking removes the hassle of finding a spot to park, which is a significant convenience for attendees coming from different areas.
What type of atmosphere and vibe can you expect at Bantam Pub?
At Bantam Pub, the vibe strikes a balance between hip and approachable, making it an inviting venue for friends and family meetups. The ambiance is casual and unpretentious, which means you can enjoy lively conversations without feeling overwhelmed by noise or formality. The interior features tasteful lighting that creates a warm, inviting environment, ideal for both daytime lunches and evening outings. The music played is carefully curated to foster a relaxed and social setting rather than compete with guest interactions. This makes it ideal for those who want to catch up over drinks or share a meal without yelling across the room.
The pub's layout enhances socializing opportunities while also providing cozy nooks for smaller gatherings or quieter moments. The outdoor areas, especially the side patio, offer a refreshing escape on nice days, combining the vibrancy of city life with the comfort of a semi-private open space. Regular patrons often cite the friendly interaction with staff and owners as another cornerstone of the enjoyable atmosphere, adding a community feel that encourages repeat visits and long hangouts. Overall, the ambiance at Bantam Pub is something that appeals to a broad range of people—from young professionals to families—making it a versatile spot to rally a group with different tastes and interests.
What dining options and specialties does Bantam Pub offer?
When it comes to food, Bantam Pub offers a diverse menu packed with flavorful dishes that cater to a wide range of preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. This diversity is crucial for group meetups where dietary choices can vary widely. For meat lovers, the smoked wings and the lamb burger are standout items that receive consistent praise for their preparation and taste. The burgers, in particular, are highly regarded, with the lamb burger noted for being cooked to the perfect temperature and bursting with complementary flavors.
Vegetarian and vegan guests are not left behind, as evidenced by feedback from patrons who rave about the phenomenal veggie burger, which is accompanied by excellent fries, both regular and sweet potato varieties. The attention to quality and flavor here makes it a rare find among bars and pubs. Brunch options are also available and have gained a loyal following for their satisfying, unpretentious offerings that appeal to those looking for a relaxed low-key start to the day with friends.
The drink menu complements the food with unique cocktails, many featuring candy-inspired mixes that add a playful, fun element to your dining experience. The beer selection rounds out the drink options with a good variety, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re after a full meal or just some shared appetizers and drinks, Bantam Pub’s food and beverage offerings are designed to please groups and keep the atmosphere lively and fun.
What makes the service and amenities at Bantam Pub stand out?
The service at Bantam Pub is frequently described as attentive but laid-back, a combination that enhances its appeal as a group-friendly destination. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and drinks and happy to offer recommendations or samples, which creates a personalized experience that makes all guests feel valued. The presence of the pub’s owner frequently behind the bar adds an authentic, welcoming touch that sets it apart from many chain-like establishments.
In terms of amenities, Bantam Pub provides free off-street parking, a significant plus in Atlanta’s bustling Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, where parking can be a challenge. This makes arriving and departing hassle-free for groups, which encourages longer visits and repeat meetups. The extended hours, especially on weekends (open until 2:30 AM), offer flexibility for groups wanting to transition from dinner to late-night drinks without moving locations.
While some reviews mention occasional slow service, this seems to be a minor trade-off considering the overall positive experience and the friendly attentiveness typical of the staff. The spacious seating arrangements, including indoor and outdoor options, cater well to groups, allowing for both lively conversation and moments of quieter discussion when needed. These combined factors make Bantam Pub not just a place to eat and drink but a versatile venue ideal for gathering with friends or family.
How accessible and convenient is Bantam Pub for group gatherings?
Bantam Pub’s location and features make it highly accessible and convenient for group meetups. Situated on Ralph McGill Blvd NE in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, it benefits from being in a lively, easily reachable neighborhood that’s popular with locals and visitors alike. The availability of free off-street parking alongside on-street options means guests don’t have to worry about the typical stress of finding parking in a busy part of town. This is particularly important for groups who may be meeting from different parts of the city and value a stress-free arrival experience.
The bar’s hours are accommodating, with opening times stretching late into the night on weekends and reasonable closing hours on weekdays, enabling gatherings that span from lunch through dinner and beyond. This flexibility allows groups to plan meetups without being constrained by early closing times. Furthermore, the mixture of indoor comfort and ample outdoor spaces provides a comfortable setting in all seasons, with the side patio especially praised for its atmosphere and space.
Also notable is the inclusivity of the menu and drink choices, ensuring that no one feels sidelined due to dietary restrictions or beverage preferences. This inclusiveness combined with excellent accessibility contributes strongly to the pub’s reputation as a go-to neighborhood hub for group socializing. Overall, Bantam Pub’s accessibility and convenience solidify its position as an ideal venue for hosting group meetups in Atlanta.
Why is Bantam Pub considered a community staple in Atlanta?
Bantam Pub’s reputation as a community staple is built on its consistency in delivering a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. Frequent patrons mention the approachable vibe fostered by the staff and the owner, as well as the steady quality of food and drinks that keep people coming back. It has established itself as the neighborhood go-to for casual dining, drinks, and socializing, without the hassle or pretension found elsewhere.
This sense of community is amplified by the pub’s efforts to accommodate diverse tastes and dietary needs, which help make every guest feel included. The setting itself—with both intimate indoor seating and spacious, inviting outdoor patios—encourages guests to linger and enjoy the company of friends and family. Regulars appreciate the relaxed, friendly environment that encourages conversation and connection.
Moreover, the unique drink menu and the emphasis on good craft beer elevate it beyond a simple neighborhood bar, adding depth and variety to the experience. Its location in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, a neighborhood known for its rich culture and growing dynamism, positions Bantam Pub as a cornerstone where traditions meet modern social life. This blend of community focus, quality, affordability, and casual comfort makes Bantam Pub more than just a place to eat and drink—it’s a hub for social connection and celebration.
What are some tips for planning a meetup at Bantam Pub?
When planning a meetup at Bantam Pub, it’s helpful to consider a few practical tips to maximize your group’s experience. Since the pub can get busy, especially on weekends and evenings, calling ahead or arriving early can help secure a good spot, particularly if you want seating on the popular side patio. Although Bantam Pub is not currently on OpenTable or other online reservation platforms, contacting them directly by phone will ensure you have the latest updates about availability and any special accommodations you may need for your group.
Group members with dietary restrictions will appreciate the wide variety of menu options, so discussing preferences beforehand can help streamline ordering and make sure everyone finds something delicious. For drink lovers, considering the unique cocktail menu and the staff’s willingness to offer samples means organizing a mini tasting experience could be a fun way to engage the whole group.
Since parking is free and conveniently located off-street, encourage everyone to drive if possible, but also consider carpooling to simplify logistics. Lastly, plan your meetup timing around the pub’s extended hours if you want your get-together to last late into the night without rush. By taking these points into account, your group will enjoy a seamless, enjoyable gathering that takes full advantage of all Bantam Pub has to offer.